FINANCIAL SERVICES

Visa Sues American Express Over Trademark: Visa brought the action against American Express Co. in an attempt to bar the rival from keeping its trademark on the term “platinum card.” The lawsuit responded to a case New York-based American Express filed against Visa card issuer First USA Inc., charging that a credit card the company issued infringed on American Express’ Platinum Card trademark. American Express spokeswoman Emily Porter called the lawsuit “a predictable reaction to the actions we have taken to protect our trademark.” Visa asked a federal judge to cancel American Express’ Platinum Card service mark registration in conjunction with payment card products and services. Visa, based in San Francisco, said it conducted a survey that showed most consumers think of “platinum card” as a generic term.